Wind Damaged Tree

kimberlyrkbJuly 24, 2014

We had a storm roll through about 3 weeks ago that damaged a tree next to our house. We thought it would bounce back into place but thus far has not. I'm not sure what kind of tree it is. Is there anything we can do to help it become upright again? Thank you.

Thanks for the replies. I don't think it's an important tree but I was hoping we could save it even if it is properly sited.

The tree was already there when we bought the house, and despite its close proximity to the house, used to stand up straight until the wind damage - it didn't used to lean at all and didn't need to stretch to get sun (plenty of sun in that particular spot).

How long ago was the tree planted? I agree that tree is too close to the house but do believe you that it's wind damage.

Where I live we can get some pretty strong windstorms. Builders plant these 8 ft trees in new developments and parking lots where old farmland used to be. So full sun and no windbreaks. It seems like the majority of them end up warped like that in the prevailing wind direction after a couple months. Not crooked at soil level but physically bent trunks. I think they're weak from spending too much time on a nursery stake. I wonder if they will ever straighten out of it.

But, as has been said, chances are very good that if you cut it down (within an inch or two of the ground, but not below soil level) it would resprout and grow back into a decent size plant fairly quickly. If you're not sure what you want to do with it, why not post a picture of two (close-up of leaves, including branching habit) for ID?

The groundcover with silver edged leaves is called Lamium galeobdolon, or Yellow Archangel. It's the most uncontrollable weed for wild places here that I've ever seen. Don't let it get loose.
It might be OK in zone 5 though, but I doubt it.
Mike

Unfortunately I am all too familiar with Lamium. It was here when we moved in, and unfortunately it is throughout the woods that surround our home and in the state game area that backs up to our property. I don't know who introduced it, but it was a huge, huge mistake.